Starting another week with the soothing pitter-patter of rain would be welcomed if we weren’t still in August. British summer time has lived up to its usual expectations this year, but there are still plenty of wonderful things to do this week in-between ducking and covering from the torrential downpours.
There are two contemporary art exhibitions to explore, one in the Northern Quarter and another over in Altrincham. If the sun does decide to show then Sadler’s Yard is getting guests all green-fingered with a gardening class from 6-8pm and the Halal food festival is back at BEC on Saturday and Sunday with free tickets for kids. For any vintage lovers, Brik Vintage is also taking over Syndikat at the weekend, with bottomless rails of second-hand gems.
The weather is apparently set to get a bit more cheerful, and if you’re looking to fill your evening in the sun with something other than pints, Sadler’s Yard is hosting a gardening class for all ages. Whether you’re after some tips on how to spruce up your balcony blooms, or you’re completely new to the craft, the team will guide you through techniques and practices from pruning to sowing. You might even come home with a plant of your own.
Manchester cotton mill turned live music mecca, Victoria Warehouse is throwing a huge free party this Thursday to celebrate its 10th birthday. Since its transformation, the venue has played host to artists and performers including; Haim, Mac DeMarco, Fontaines DC, Little Simz, Loyle Carner, Blossoms and more, as well as weddings, yoga festivals and corporate events. Running from 6pm – midnight, you can expect a Jägermeister cocktail bar, Whitley Neil gin cocktails on arrival, a pop-up from Rockstar Rum and live entertainment all night long.
AIR Open returns to Altrincham’s AIR Gallery this week for its sixth year. Showcasing the work of up-and-coming contemporary artists in the fields of video, drawing, fine art, sculpture, textiles and more, the exhibitors were selected by a judging panel via an open call submission process. The launch evening offers the chance to meet some of the artists, explore the additional exhibitions at AIR Open and enjoy a range of refreshments from its on-site café.
If you’re in the market for a sustainable and affordable post-summer pre-autumn wardrobe revamp, Stockport is a must visit this weekend. Local second-hand fashion store Brik Vintage is taking over multi-use creative public house Syndikat in the heart of the Underbank with realms of vintage gems and seasonal pieces made to be bought in bulk. There is no minimum spend, no entry fee and there’ll be plenty of pieces for all sizes.
This one isn’t entirely free, but we feel it needed a mention this week because it’s going to be a good’un. The Halal Food Festival returns to BEC from Saturday – Sunday bringing with it over 150 Halal food traders, celebrity masterclasses and an artisan market. Visitors can expect dishes from traders including Afrikana, Redfern Kitchen, Myos Japanese Fusion, The Dutch Fishmen and Cleopatra from the Middle East. Kids tickets are completely free, adult entry starts from £5.
- Words:
- Emma Davidson
- Published on:
- Mon 14 Aug 2023
A new art exhibition from the brains behind family-run art company, art gallery and shop Mouldernart launches at Saan1 in the Northern Quarter. Exploring modern life, everyday objects and their complexities, the pieces reflect the extraordinary times we have recently lived through, including the consecutive lockdowns, confinements and readjustments to life post-COVID. Each piece gives a completely different outlook using colour, intricate narratives and even elements of sci-fi.